Dry-cleaned clothes' strong odor may affect your health

Tip: Dry-cleaned clothes' strong odor may affect your health

If your newly dry-cleaned clothes have a strong sweetish smell, they may contain too much chemical Perc. Contact the dry-cleaner to let them know the problem, or use another dry-cleaner for your next dry cleaning, or use the service of a dry-cleaner who doesn't use Perc or harmful chemicals.

According to the National Institue of Health, Perc, known as
Perchloroethylene or tetrachloroethylene, is a nonflammable liquid
and colorless. The largest U.S. user of PERC is the dry cleaning
industry. It accounts for 80% to 85% of all dry cleaning fluid
used. Perc could be harmful to your health. Short term exposure to
PERC can cause adverse health effects on the nervous system that
range from fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and sweating to
incoordination and unconsciousness.